Sherrod Elementary School

07/28/2025

POSTING CLOSES JULY 28 @ 4:00 PM

Special Education Paraprofessionals NEEDED!!
Join the Sherrod Elementary Team!
Sherrod Elementary is looking for energetic, compassionate individuals who have a heart for supporting our most exceptional learners. If you're ready to make a difference each day, we want you on our team!
Position: Special Education Paraprofessional
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (202 days/year)
Pay: $19.77/hour
Location: Sherrod Elementary
Minimum Requirements:
✔ High school diploma or GED
AND one of the following:
• Two years of college coursework (at least 48 semester credits),
• An Associate's degree (or higher), OR
• A passing score on the ParaPro Assessment AND completion of the Paraprofessional Standards Checklist.
🕑 Hurry! The posting closes soon!
To apply, visit: Mat-Su Employment Opportunities
Click on "About Us" > "Employment Opportunities" and look for the Special Education Assistant posting at Sherrod.
📞 Questions? Call us at 907-761-4100—we’re happy to help!
Know someone who’d be a great fit? Please share this opportunity with friends and family!
💗Let’s grow something great together at Sherrod!💟

07/20/2025

Special Education Paraprofessionals NEEDED!!

Join the Sherrod Elementary Team!

Sherrod Elementary is looking for energetic, compassionate individuals who have a heart for supporting our most exceptional learners. If you're ready to make a difference each day, we want you on our team!

Position: Special Education Paraprofessional
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (202 days/year)
Pay: $19.77/hour
Location: Sherrod Elementary

Minimum Requirements:
✔ High school diploma or GED
AND one of the following:
• Two years of college coursework (at least 48 semester credits),
• An Associate's degree (or higher), OR
• A passing score on the ParaPro Assessment AND completion of the Paraprofessional Standards Checklist.

🕑 Hurry! The posting closes soon!
To apply, visit: Mat-Su Employment Opportunities
Click on "About Us" > "Employment Opportunities" and look for the Special Education Assistant posting at Sherrod.

📞 Questions? Call us at 907-761-4100—we’re happy to help!

Know someone who’d be a great fit? Please share this opportunity with friends and family!
💗Let’s grow something great together at Sherrod!💟

07/19/2025

RECESS MONITORS NEEDED
Sherrod Elementary is looking for energetic, compassionate individuals to be a Recess Monitor!

If you are interested, please go to https://www.matsuk12.us ,"About Us" and "Employment Opportunities" to find Sherrod's listings. Use this link to apply: https://www.matsuk12.us/jobs
Sherrod's recess monitor posting closes soon!!!

Hours are 10:30- 1:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Pay is $17.45/hour! We would love to add YOU to our team!

Looking for more hours??? We can keep you busy by being a substitute teacher or substitute aide! Call 907-761-4100 to learn more about this fabulous opportunity.

Know anyone looking for work...please pass this opportunity along to friends and family!

07/17/2025

Dear Sherrod Families,

The first day of school is just around the corner! We look forward to seeing you at our Back to School Night on Wednesday, August 13 from 4:30–5:30 p.m. Students first day of school is Thursday, August 14 at 9:05 a.m. District calendars https://www.matsuk12.us/about-us/calendars (Please note separate dates for Elementary and Secondary schools.)

To help us be fully prepared with class lists and school planning, please register your child as soon as possible. Registration is now open at:
https://www.matsuk12.us/about-us/registration

As previously shared, Sherrod will not be participating in the 100% free breakfast or lunch program this school year. We encourage ALL families to apply for free or reduced-price meals to see if you qualify:
https://www.matsuk12.us/business-departments/nutrition-services/free-reduced-application

Stay connected and up to date by downloading our new parent communication tool, the ParentSquare app, today!

Please note that Sherrod office staff return on Monday, July 28th.
We’re excited to welcome you back soon!
—Sherrod Elementary School

07/02/2025

Dear Sherrod Families,

I just received word that Sherrod Elementary will no longer be participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2025–2026 school year.

Each year, eligibility for CEP is determined by a measure called the Identified Student Percentage (ISP), which reflects the number of students who qualify for free meals through direct certifications such as SNAP, TANF, foster care, and migrant status. Sherrod’s ISP has recently fallen below the threshold required to continue in the CEP program.

As a result, we will be returning to the traditional meal service model, which includes free, reduced-price, and full-pay options based on household income or direct certification status. This means free meals will no longer be automatically provided to all students. Families will need to complete a Free and Reduced Lunch Application to determine eligibility for the upcoming school year. Students who qualify for Migrant Ed status will also qualify for free breakfast and lunch as well as other Migrant Ed services. Qualifying for Migrant Ed status is not based on income. See if your family qualifies for Migrant Ed. https://www.matsuk12.us/instructional-departments/federal-programs/migrant-education

The District’s Nutrition Services team will send out additional information later this summer and will be available to help families with the application process once school begins. We’ve also included some reminders below:

What does this mean for your student?
• Families must apply to see if their child qualifies for free or reduced-price meals. https://www.matsuk12.us/business-departments/nutrition-services/free-reduced-application
• Applications may be submitted at any point during the school year. I highly recommend you apply now to avoid any unnecessary charges.
• If your financial situation changes, you may reapply at any time.
• Students will not be denied a meal due to insufficient funds; however, charges will continue to accumulate on meal accounts unless parents notify us that they do not want their child charging meals.
• Families will receive weekly email reminders if there is a negative balance on their student’s account.

We understand this may be an unexpected change and are committed to supporting our families during this transition. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Principal Cook

Migrant Education - Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District

07/02/2025

Dear Sherrod Families,

MSBSD School Board has officially adopted Board Policy 5131.02, which restricts cell phone use during the school day. Here’s what you need to know as we prepare for the 2025–2026 school year:
________________________________________
What’s Changing?
• Effective August, students may not use cell phones or smart watches on campus during school hours—including hallways, lunch, and recess.
• Exceptions: Approved medical use as documented in a student’s health plan.
________________________________________
How to Stay Connected
• To reach your child during the day, please call the Sherrod front office.
• If your child needs to call home, they may request access to the office phone.
________________________________________
Preparing for Day One
• We ask that students leave devices at home or keep them powered off and stored in their backpacks from arrival to dismissal.
• Please talk with your child about these new expectations before school starts.
________________________________________
Disciplinary Steps for Violations
To ensure fairness and consistency, Sherrod Elementary will follow this three step process:
1. First Offense
• Device collected, placed in an envelope, and held in the office
• Parent/guardian must pick up the device
• Reminder of Board Policy 5131.02 provided
2. Second Offense
• Parent/guardian pickup required
• Student completes three days of restorative justice during recess
3. Third Offense
• Possible out of school suspension and/or
• Conference with the principal
________________________________________
This district wide policy will be in effect at all Mat Su Borough School District schools beginning this school year. While we recognize change can be challenging, we believe reducing digital distractions will:
• Foster deeper learning
• Strengthening peer and teacher relationships
• Enhance overall student well being and engagement

Thank you for your support in setting clear expectations and for entrusting us with your children’s growth and learning.

Wishing you a safe and relaxing summer,
Principal Cook
Sherrod Elementary School

06/25/2025

Extra….Extra!!! Read all about it! On July 1, MSBSD will introduce their only platform PARENTSQUARE for schools, district and teachers to communicate with communities, students and families. Down load the app to stay informed!

We’re excited to be moving to ParentSquare — a tool that makes communication easier for parents and students.

Starting July 1, all Mat-Su Borough School District communication will be sent through ParentSquare. This includes messages about sports, classrooms, schools, and the District — all in one place.

ParentSquare will replace Blackboard, Remind, ClassDojo, SportsYou, and other tools currently used for communication — helping simplify and streamline how we stay connected.

With ParentSquare, you can:
✅ Get updates by email, text, or app
✅ View school calendars and RSVP for events
✅ Sign up to volunteer or bring items

Note: ParentSquare will not replace Synergy ParentVUE, which will still be used for grades, attendance, and student records.

Parents and students will receive an invitation by email or text with simple directions to set up your account soon.

05/28/2025

ATTENTION!!!
We're Hiring!

Sherrod is looking for an energetic, compassionate Special Education educator to join our team full-time as our RISE Teacher.

If you or someone you know holds a Special Education (SPED) degree and is passionate about supporting students with diverse needs, we’d love to hear from you!

Apply today and help us make a difference!

JobID: 11574 Special Education Teacher-RISE Program (Reaching Independence through Structured Environment)

Position Type: Special Education/Teacher - Autism Classroom

Site specific information: Support and assist students experiencing global disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorders. Develop and provide programming for functional/adaptive, social/emotional, behavioral, and academic skills instruction utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques. Utilize curriculum provided by the Office of Student Support. Develop and implement positive behavior intervention plans. Promote communication growth for students who are non speaking and may use high or low tech AAC methods/devices.

Job Summary: To implement appropriate individualized education plan as defined by the IEP Team, advocate for disabled students, provide quality services to eligible individuals based on current research and technology. Assist the Student Support Services in meeting audit and compliance standards, and promote positive attitudes about and toward Special Education.

Qualifications: Alaska Teaching Certificate-Type A and Bachelor’s degree, with an endorsement in Special Education. Experience with trauma sensitive schools preferred.

Essential Duties
1 Participates as an integral member of the IEP Team.
2 Assists the student to reach obtainable goals.
3 Interprets and promotes the program and its purposes to the school and community.
4 Assists in obtaining appropriate educational test data and other information necessary to the development of the I.E.P.
5 Assists the Student Support Services in the development of district-wide policies and procedures.
6 Participates in parent conferences.
7 Participates in required staff development activities.
8 Assesses individual student progress and identifies appropriate program modifications.
9 Utilizes paraprofessional and volunteer assistance in the implementation of instructional programs.
10 Uses a wide range of teaching methods, materials, techniques, and equipment applicable to supporting various types of disabilities.
11 Schedules activities to maintain a positive learning environment and to provide access to the least restrictive environment.
12 Maintains current knowledge in their professional area including pertinent Federal Law and State Special Education regulations.
13 Assists in and cooperates with necessary modification and implementation of the screening and referral system as needed.
14 Keeps accurate records and files for all Special Education students in accordance with district procedures.
15 Monitors students’ progress and updates IEP in accordance with district procedures.
16 Promotes positive public image of school district and positive public relations at all times.
17 Other duties as assigned by Principal/Student Support Administrator.

Apply online or contact Sherrod School administrator via email

05/20/2025

Sherrod students had a blast at field day today. Be sure to ask them about all of the fun activities. Sherrod Newsletter

May 19, 2025

05/16/2025

Mr. Warner and Mrs. Tara Johnson had a chance to interact with the working dogs, much to the students' delight. The kids especially enjoyed watching the dogs skillfully identify and apprehend the 'criminal.'

05/16/2025

After a year of hard work and dedication, students earned a surprise end-of-year field trip. Thanks to JBER, they had an unforgettable experience learning about working dogs and the use of robotics in handling explosives and other tactical tasks. We sincerely thank JBER for welcoming our students and delivering such outstanding and engaging presentations.

05/13/2025

A lot is happening these last two weeks of school, check it out in our Sherrod Newsletter

May 12, 2025